Finland to Introduce Horseracing to Competitive Market in 2026 as Part of Gambling Reforms
The new law draft is scheduled for submission to the EU Commission before reaching parliament in spring 2025. The fully regulated market is targeted for launch on January 1, 2026.
The Finnish government has announced that horseracing will be integrated into the competitive licensed market along with other wagering activities when the newly regulated market opens in 2026.
As Finland prepares for this transition, the government has shared further details on the market structure. Under the revised policy, horseracing funding will now be directed toward breeding initiatives and consultancy for horseracing operators, financed from the state budget. Hippos ry, Finland’s central organization for horse breeding, will also receive funds to oversee the development of the horseracing industry and manage anti-doping efforts.
The government’s aim with these reforms is to minimize gambling-related issues by improving channelisation within the Finnish market. Operators will now be able to apply for competitive licenses for sports betting and online casinos, while Veikkaus, Finland's current monopoly operator, will retain exclusive rights to lottery, betting games, and land-based casinos.
The new law draft is scheduled for submission to the EU Commission before reaching parliament in spring 2025. The fully regulated market is targeted for launch on January 1, 2026.
In line with the European Gaming and Betting Association’s (EGBA) endorsement of Finland’s licensing plans in October 2023, the initial draft of the proposed licensing law was released in July this year. This latest policy update provides additional clarity on the anticipated structure of Finland's reformed gambling market.
